Dunne had earlier hinted he was prepared to hang up his boots after his deal ran out next summer, but now says he will go full tilt and see what happens - preferably an extension to his contract having earned ringing praise from his manager.

“It’s not entirely surprising to get this run of games,” he said. “At the beginning of the season with three 35-year-olds in the squad we knew we were going to miss out at times, and we have just to share it around as much as we can.

“By bringing in Rio (Ferdinand) in and with Clint Hill we’re at an age where you can’t play every week or every game.

“You have to try and be honest and say to the manager when we’re fresh and when not. As a result the team is going to rotate.”

“I don’t want to retire bit by bit,” he explained. “But I do want to want to go flat out and see if I feel all right, and if so, then go again. But staying won’t be my decision, it’ll be someone else’s.”

Dunne pointed to a tough last four matches where Rs played three top sides including City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Chase: Aston Villa's Christian Benteke (R) with Dunne in pursuit

Next up after the international break is Newcastle away and Leicester at home, and the veteran believes points and escape from the drop zone are there for the taking.

He said: “The last month has been brilliant and we have to build on it. We’ve played the top two teams in the country, and fingers crossed it can only get easier from here on in.

“We can go and relax a little bit this week, and get ready for Newcastle and go again with fresh legs.”